What's the most annoying part of buying or selling a horse online right now?

[shane]

Serious question.

What's the most annoying part of trying to buy or sell online right now?

Lowballers? Tire kickers? No-shows? Weak photos? No real buyer interest? Too many hoops? Slow responses? Trust?

Seems like in 2026 it should be easier than it is.

Curious what actually frustrates people most.

[Dingus]

The owners of the websites (like ongait and preferred) should require proof of validity of statements made, verify age of photos posted, and a certification from an independent vet for any horse that hasn’t raced within the last 30 days.

[shane]

You're probably right. A lot of hesitation comes from not knowing how current or accurate a listing really is. More confidence would help buyers bid stronger and help honest sellers stand out faster.

[AgentQ]

Serious question.

What's the most annoying part of trying to buy or sell online right now?

Lowballers? Tire kickers? No-shows? Weak photos? No real buyer interest? Too many hoops? Slow responses? Trust?

Seems like in 2026 it should be easier than it is.

Curious what actually frustrates people most.

Both platforms are the ultimate "buyer beware" scenario. You'd be hard pressed to find 2 good luck stories out of every 100 listings. Both platforms are just a quick and easy mechanism for people to dump horses that will likely never pay their way let alone make money. Of course, there are exceptions but you can count them on one hand.

[rainman2]

Should potential buyers use more/better judgment when they see a horse for sale from an individual/trainer that might not be the most upcoming with proper/correct information?

I believe there was a thread or 2 on in in plop past on people/trainers who weren’t forth coming on their horses listed for sale. I won’t mention the names involved.

[tumbleweed]

The owners of the websites (like ongait and preferred) should require proof of validity of statements made, verify age of photos posted, and a certification from an independent vet for any horse that hasn’t raced within the last 30 days.

Should that statement go for sale horses also? Owner statements are no always on the up and up there and no vet certification is required. It is always as is. I  understand you can look at a live animal though a lot of problems are internal also. Such as tie ups being crazy and so on.

[dougie]

Should potential buyers use more/better judgment when they see a horse for sale from an individual/trainer that might not be the most upcoming with proper/correct information?

I believe there was a thread or 2 on in in plop past on people/trainers who weren’t forth coming on their horses listed for sale. I won’t mention the names involved.

You and your trainer are to smart to buy any of that misrepresented horses you see online. Your trainer does his homework. Which is why you consistently do well year after year.

[rainman2]

You and your trainer are to smart to buy any of that misrepresented horses you see online. Your trainer does his homework. Which is why you consistently do well year after year.

The trainer sells more than he buys. People in the business know who he is and is generally well respected.

[dougie]

The trainer sells more than he buys. People in the business know who he is and is generally well respected.

I agree!

[tumbleweed]

I have been very lucky as i have bought 4 online. I did my homework and did well with all of them. I have also bought quite a few at the sales and cant complain about the outcome on any of them. As Kenny Rogers used to say. Know when to hold em and know when to fold them. lol

[rainman2]

You think online is bad?  Wait until your trainer gets calls from some unscrupulous agents who want to buy horses on the cheap and then pin hook them for a good profit!

[Checked Up]

Having no idea what to expect until it arrives at the barn!

[JIDGE]

Always a risk when buying any horse. Take into account present trainer/competition and where you will race horse/ class, etc. Safest to buy one "In To Go" with the sale ending after the completed race -- Best bet to assure soundness and current condition. If possible, physically examine horse or have a reliable friend or Vet examine.